How to Be Patient with Parents

Understand that avoidance doesn't work. Most of the time, avoiding your parents seems like the easiest way to keep them off your back. Though this may work from time to time, it doesn't work in the long run. Keep in mind that parents want to make sure you're doing your best and being safe. If you save time to talk to them and talk to them about your day or how you're feeling, it makes the relationship more smooth. They begin to be involved in your life, even if it's a short conversation. Try your best to not avoid them - that only makes them think something is wrong.

• Parents may take offense to the fact that you don't take the time to talk to them and update them. It makes it less complicated if you keep in contact with them and consistently inform them. Avoidance is much easier at a young age, but it makes the relationship more complicated and patience is required more often if you avoid them.

Keep them "in the loop". Parents are stereotypically seen as nosey. They want to be updated on where you are when you're leaving, and what you're doing. It is not unusual for parents to want to be "in the loop", don't be offended when they ask multiple questions. Try your best to keep them updated and you should notice them becoming less resilient with their questions.

Change your perspective. “You won't understand until you're a parent” is a commonly mentioned phrase. Parents like to think that kids don't understand their intentions solely because they may not have kids of their own. They may be right, but this is why we need to change our perspective. Try to put yourself in your parent's shoes and see where they are coming from. Parents tend to have good intentions with what they do. If you are starting to get frustrated, put yourself in their position and see if it makes sense as to what they are doing.

Be responsible. With responsibility comes independence. Parents are afraid of this. Most of the time parents want to be in control and be able to make decisions for you, but as you get older your parents lose control of you and your decisions. With independence also comes maturity. Make sure you are responsible and that will show them how they don't have to be in control.

Earn their trust. When trust is established, there is much more flexibility within a relationship between parents and children. In a study regarding parents establishing trust with adolescents, they found that trust was found when the child was more willing to give knowledge on daily activities. With the child giving the parents that information willingly gave the parents more trust in what their child would tell them. Establishing trust with parents causes them to become more patient with the kids in that they don't need to be “in-the-know” all of the time.

Keep in mind that they're your parents. They want what is best for you in every way they know how. Parents want to keep their children as a priority and keep them safe. They don't annoy you or push you because they have impure intentions, they want what is best. It is sometimes difficult to see that when they are constantly wanting information, but they are your parents. Try to keep that in mind.

Lower your expectations. It is often easy to compare your parents to other ones that you know. Every parent has a different parenting style, it may be hard to deal with or handle but there are ways to help. Lower your expectations of your parents and try to be understanding. Not all parents are similar, learn to deal with the style that they use.

Stay calm. It is fairly easy to get mad or upset with parents and their decisions. Try to stay calm and have a conversation with them and point out what bothers you. Chances are they are willing to explain their reasoning. Be as open as you can with them and tell them your opinions are. Keeping them informed on how the things they do make you feel will help establish trust. Stay calm and have a meaningful conversation with them.

Know that lies don't make things better. Although lying may seem like the most simple way out, it does not work in the long run. Lies tend to build up and eventually explode. Try your best to be honest even if it means you have to be vulnerable. Your parents are not looking for the simple answer, they want to know the truth. Even though lying is easy, try your best to tell the truth.